Tackling mental distress

Abstract

Over the last 15 years or so, there has been a significant rise in awareness about issues of mental health. Campaigns such as the Green Ribbon campaign, ‘Darkness into Light’ and ‘Walk in My Shoes’ as well as celebrities like Bressie speaking about their own difficulties have made a significant impact in promoting discussion about depression, suicide, anxiety, and other ‘mental illnesses’, for want of a better term. A conversation around mental health has opened up and those who are suffering can speak about their problems now in a way that would have been impossible in the past. Although there is still some stigma around the issue, people can seek help in the knowledge that there will be people who will understand and support them when they do so. This is undoubtedly a positive thing.